On the surface, Zico's frustrated: But Singapore football chief Zainudin agrees with FIFA that it works

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Asian World Cup qualifier

Group A

Singapore vs Iraq

Jalan Besar Stadium, 7.30pm



SINGAPORE - His arrival at the Jalan Besar Stadium yesterday sent security personnel and Football Association of Singapore (FAS) staff into a frenzy, it happens when football royalty pays a visit.

Brazilian legend Zico strode right past the crowd to the stands, looking in disdain at the Jalan Besar green where his Iraq team will battle Singapore tonight in an Asian World Cup qualifier Group A clash.

He had already hit out at the artificial turf on Sunday and at the pre-match press conference that followed, he criticised it again, opting to disregard his translator and address the media in English.

Zico, one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game, felt it was more suited for schools and children than the professional game. But FAS president Zainudin Nordin backed Singapore's embrace of plastic grass.

"These fields are all approved by FIFA and we've already had several international games played here," he told Today.

"In our country we struggle with pitch maintenance because of our weather, and technology has improved and made the quality of the (artificial) pitch as good as grass. We will be progressive and continue to consider such (artificial surfaces)."

"In my point of view, the quality of the game has improved on artificial surfaces," he added.

Zico did say he respected "FIFA's decision to play on an artificial field", perhaps the former owner of the famed Brazil No 10 shirt highlighted the issue as he knows his men will be up against it tonight.

He said: "It was a 30-hour trip (to Singapore), the team died (in training) yesterday, and if we don't win (tonight) it'll be difficult to qualify.

"Maybe FIFA need to rethink their (fixtures), it's not possible to play so soon after a game, the players are tired; they are not machines."

While the Lions went down 2-1 away to China on Friday, Iraq hosted Jordan and lost 2-0.

Getting his charges to put that defeat behind them is the other challenge for Zico, who conducted only his fifth training session in charge as Iraq coach yesterday.

"Miracles are not possible in football ... there must be work, work, and more work. I need time," said the 58-year-old, who rued several missed opportunities by his men against Jordan.

"The players didn't have the (calmness) to make a pass ... and to put the ball in the net. Maybe the players were under pressure playing the first game inside Iraq, the pressure from the supporters was difficult in that first game," added Zico, who will be facing a Singapore team that is unbeaten at home so far this season.

"At this moment for Iraq (the situation) is very bad ... but maybe tomorrow the players will be more relaxed and play well."